Answer Set - The grouping of responses for a given program. Most programs have the capability of storing more than one answer set.
Area - A defined polygonal area within a geologic map. Each area represents a different category of material or zonining within a layer.
Background Map - A map which displays in the background of a PolyMap digitizing session. The user can see the map, but cannot make any changes to the map.
Bench (Level) A planar horizontal surface at which a particular slice will be removed from the deposit. Benches are numbered sequentially starting at the bottom of the block model. MicroMODEL refers to a bench by either its bench (level) number or toe elevation.
Bench Elevation - The elevation of the toe of a particular bench. This elevation is relative to the datum of the global survey system, not the bottom of the block model.
Bench Height - The height of the working face at which the deposit will be mined. This is also referred to as the bench thickness. The bench height determines the height of the blocks within the block model.
Bench Number - Level Number. The bench number is an integer corresponding to the sequential numbering of a bench with the bottom most bench being Number 1 and the top most bench is the number of benches in the block model.
Block Model - A three-dimensional matrix or grid comprised of individual blocks containing rock codes or grade values. The size of a block model is determined by the number of rows, columns, and benches entered in the Project Information File.
Digitize - The process of quickly entering Northing and Easting and elevation coordinates of polygon or contour data into MicroMODEL via an electronic device called a digitizer.
Export - Take data from a map file and write it to a format suitable for input to other software systems.
Figure Eights - A figure eight is a place on a trace where different segments of the trace cross each other. Very small figure eights can cause problems with the updating process.
Filter - The process used by PolyMap to reduce the number of points in a digitized trace without significantly changing its shape.
Import - Take data from other software systems and enter it into PolyMap.
Include Set - A logical grouping of maps, such as all the North-South sections in a project. Up to eight of these groupings can be defined.
Join - The process of taking traces with the same lable which have endpoints within a certain tolerance distance of each other and combining (joining) these traces into a single, new trace.
Layer - A means of dividing map data into up to five categories. Each layer is like a transparent overlay that is part of a map. Typical layers are geology, oxidation zone, and grade zone.
Level - See Bench
Map - An imaginary planar region of space into which PolyMap data is stored. Each map acts as a separate container for information. A map closely parallels the concept of a papaer map, except that the data is stored in a computer file instead of being drawn onto the paper.
Masking Polygon - A closed polygon shape which can be used as a "cookie cutter" to remove portions of a map that are either inside or outside the polygon.
Menu - A rectangular arrangement of commands or character entries that is used with the digitizing programs in PolyMap. Paper copies of menus enhance program operation when digitizing from a table.
Mesh - The process of joining a set of open pit contours with current topography to form a new contour map which is a consolidated version of the two original maps. Mesh is also a command available in the pit design program that performs this same function on a level by level basis.
Project Information - The project information is the data that is needed by every program within PolyMap. The data is stored in the Project Information File, PM4X0000.PCF.
Rock Model - A three dimensional grid whose block values are geologic (or rock) codes. These codes are used for defining areas of like geologic of geotechnical conditions.
Trace - A digitized polyline in a map. A Trace is normally labelled with either a geologic boundary label (for geologic layers), or with a topographic elevation.
Update - The process of taking raw digitized geologic data and converting it into closed polygon shapes.